Trimmed & Slimmed: CZ’s Shadow 2 Compact

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

CZ-USA has taken their competition pistol, the Shadow 2, and made a lighter, more compact version for carry and duty work.

The CZ Shadow 2 Compact is already available in stores. This compact version of the Shadow 2 still has the same excellent trigger and low bore as its big brother. The Shadow 2 series is comparable to 2011-style race guns. Let’s look at some of the finer details.

The Shadow 2 compact is resized but still feature-rich.

Compact Features

Those familiar with the CZ 75 and the Shadow 2 know its steel frame makes it a pleasure to shoot. To lighten the Shadow 2 Compact, the frame has been remade in an aluminum alloy so you still get the feel of a metal frame with a lot less weight.

In addition to the alloy frame, the barrel is about an inch shorter at 4 inches. The grip is also shorter, so it’s now compatible with other CZ 75 compact 15-round magazines. However, like a Glock, it will also take longer CZ 75 mags. This model also comes standard with an optics plate.

Competition Features

Like the full-size versions, the Shadow 2 Compact has ambidextrous safety levers, extended mag release buttons, and excellent machined aluminum grips. The front and back straps are also textured, and the trigger guard is generously sized.

Unlike many other compact guns, this one is double-action/single-action. You can leave it cocked and locked with the safety engaged, or lower the hammer and use the heavier double-action trigger pull.

Of course, you can always cock the hammer and take advantage of the 2.5-lb single-action trigger pull for precision first shots.

Extended magazine release and textured aluminum grips come standard.

It’s DA/SA and the skeletonized hammer is standard, as are ambidextrous safety levers.

The CZ 75 and its derivatives are famous for their low bore axis and lightweight slide. Its barrel sits lower to the hand than many guns, and the slide has less material, too.

These both make the recoil impulse feel less snappy and less powerful. Also, the full-length dust cover under the barrel adds mass toward the front and keeps the barrel down.

Slide serrations fore and aft give a good grip and the slide is easy to work manually.

Upgrades Abound

Because it’s been on the market for years and has been used as a competition gun, there are many after-market components for the Shadow 2.

Compact buyers will be glad to know that all those mods are compatible with this gun. Triggers, hammers, sears, mag releases, mag wells, bases, grips, and sights can all be modified.